Tyddles's (my FJ) major rebuild

[Yarps]

Its looking good  , cant wait to see the finshed product.  keep the photo's coming.


Marty

[kerry]

Your wish is my command.









http://www.flickr.com/photos/35182404@N04/3399324859#secretb65ea32176-w500-h375

[racerman_27410]

whats that bit between the oil cooler and the sump?


looks sweet Kerry 



KOokaloo!

[rktmanfj]

whats that bit between the oil cooler and the sump?

Thermostatic valve?

Randy T
Indy

[kerry]

Ooooh my, I can't believe I never finished this for ya.

Well after a total of 5 months away from me, Tyddles is now home and has been for a while (but more on that later).  It was just so AWESOME to have her back.  A simple thank you to my friend for all his hard work and attention to detail just doesn't seem enough, I can't express how much I appreciate what he did.

I thought I'd be more nervous on the ride home but wasn't.  Well aware of my 4,000rpm limit all the way home, I behaved myself and only sampled the acceleration a few times but wow!  Getting her home was a wonderful feeling and I just stood there taking it all in for quite a while. 

So the positives of all this are, the painted engine is just so sexy looking, it gets better once she's started as with loads of new internal bits, there's no rattles or wierd noises, just a lovely deep smooth purr (well what would you expect with a name like Tyddles).  The powdercoated frame, engine bars etc etc just look lovely.  The new tyres seem great so far.  Dave's spend hours polishing paintwork, leaving me with one sweet machine.  Pics will follow shortly.

However all these improvements do have some negatives as the other bad bits now stand out like sore thumbs.  For example, my mirrors still don't match, the paint on the wheels is rubbish, the general condition of the bodywork leaves a lot to be desired, I need the seat repairing, the clutch mc need tarting up, airscoop need repairing, a newer tank is needed plus the baglux is a bit beat up.

But I was a well HAPPY BUNNY and couldn't stop grinning.

For those who have'nt seen from start to finish (for now) then here's the link to ALL the pics -  http://kerryrawsonbikes.fotopic.net/c1629209.html

[kerry]

[kerry]

[kerry]

Still to do...

[kerry]

Bear in mind as most of the engine internals are NEW, I had to go through the running in process which meant I was stuck to 4,000 rpm give or take.

My first impression will be something those with high mileage FJ's are familiar with, as we've replaced all the chains in the engine there's no rattle or unpleasant noise when you let the clutch out before/as it bites.  The gear change is smoother than I remember.  The sound the engine makes is so sweet and tight but you really have to have heard lots of crap FJ's to appreciate it.

Power wise, which after all was the point of increasing her to 1314cc by adding the Wiseco kit, untill she's properly run in then its difficult to tell as I didn't want to cane her straight away, however I was extremely surprised when I opened her up coming out of a 50 into a 70 (70 is the limit at 4,000) as shot off like a startled rabbit comes to mind.

Will post more soon, don't want to bore you all in one go (plus its 11.40pm over here so I'm off to bed).

[Firehawk068]

I have learned that every 'quick' upgrade will run you 5x what you planned for cost, and 2x as long in time. You can't take 1 thing off without replacing 3.

At least, that's been my experience thus far.

And this my friend.......is the absolute truth.

[kerry]

It didn't stop there and Tyddles got some more new bits.  My partner Mark fitted a waterproof 12v socket 1st.







Then he also fitted a techmount for my GPS too

[kerry]

Next the tired Corbin seat got recovered.



Original



Now recovered





As its still technically Mark's Corbin seat not mine (but its on long term loan), he chose the leather types, shades and stitching design.  The original corbin base and foam has not been altered, just recovered to get rid of the split.

[kerry]

Took her on her first long ish trip after that and Tyddles behaved almost perfectly.

Riding her for a longer distance was as comfortable as expected and as I'd passed 500 miles at 4,000 revs was nice to be able to use another 1,000 revs.  The extra revs just allows a wee bit more overtaking umph at motorway speeds and was easier to follow Mark on his FJR while both of us wereaccelerating.  I was also pleasantly surprised with the fuel ecomomy (although I did not check it accurately) but to say she was FULLY loaded with our large tent, airbed, chairs, plus all the usual stuff I normally carried on the FJR then me and I did hang around, I was pleased. 

I did however experience some teething problems.  I knew I had an issue with the speedo (needle jumps around at higher speeds) so I fitted a brand new cable from Phil at the UK club, which worked for a while but then gave up the ghost on the way, thank god I had my sat nav on so I knew what speed I was doing - phew!

The other issue was refueling on route cause it added more time to my journey.  Mainly cause once stopped due to the tightness of the rebuilt larger bore engine she wouldn't start again till she'd cooled down a bit.  Which meant no splash and dash petrol stops.  Phil has the same issue with the racer and so does a friend with his 1380 version, but apparently it will get better as she beds in, although there's a rumour that fitting a XJR1300 starter will help.



Tyddles outside our tent in Masham, North Yorkshire, UK (the home of Black Sheep Brewery and Theakstons)

[racerman_27410]

Kerry,

with my 1349 motor all i have to do is slightly crack the throttle when cranking (engine hot) and she will fire right up.

throttle closed and i experience the same stubborn turn over issue as you... and i have the entire XJR engine (including starter  )

that seat looks great who did the recover? a local shop?

dont be afraid to twist that throttle and get the revs up.....that whole bedding in thing is hooey.... the trick is to not ride at steady throttle for the first 100 miles or so then run it like ya stole it   

i follow this method with excellant results.


http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm



KOokaloo!

Frank

[kerry]

Thanks for the tip Frank.  The seat was done by a local ish guy, about 60 miles way.  He only charged £60 (about $95), we've used him for the last 12 years on all our bike seats, his price has always been the same.  http://www.tonyarcher.co.uk/